Pradhan Pushes For Better Hydrocarbon Ties With Africa

Posted on : Tuesday , 3rd November 2015

India, which imports nearly 18% of its crude oil requirement from African producers, is working towards further expanding ties with the energy-rich nations from Africa.

Petroleum minister Dharmendra Pradhan stressed upon intensifying hydrocarbon cooperation with the African countries on upstream, midstream and downstream areas. At present, India imports about 33 million tonne (MT) crude oil from Africa. Indian PSU oil and gas companies have invested about $8 billion in oil and gas assets in Mozambique, Sudan and South Sudan. EIL has been associated with refining sector in several countries as well. Pradhan, along with top officials from his ministry and heads of PSUs — IOC, OIL, EIL and OVL, conveyed to the leadership of the African countries that India is keen to graduate to a stronger energy partnership with the African nations.

Last week, during the third edition of India-Africa Forum Summit, Pradhan  called on the Presidents of Nigeria,Ghana, vice-presidents of Angola, Tanzania, Prime Minister of Mozambique, ministers of oil and gas of South Sudan, minister of world affairs of Algeria and minister of economic affairs of Gabon, the government said in a statement.